The young people only the course with coach Brad Cathie (Image: Steve McKendrick)

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A Kilwinning charity is helping young people back into work through playing football.

Street League has one of the best success rates around, with 80 per cent of participants moving into jobs, further education or additional training.

Last week North Ayrshire and Arran MP Patricia Gibson went along to the project, based at Kilwinning Sports Club, to see what they’re doing right.

Geared towards 16 to 25-year-olds, the 12-week programme uses football as a medium to build confidence, improve health, extend social networks and develop skills towards long-term education, employment and independence.

Street League is a nationwide charity but the North Ayrshire branch has only been operating in the area for just over a year – overseeing 100 young people in that time.

One of the coaches at the project is 23-year-old Brad Cathie, also a pro youth coach at St Mirren FC.

Brad handles the football side of things and colleague Anthony Baker handles the off the field part of the programme.

Brad told the Irvine Herald: “When Patricia came along it was really good, it was great to hear that she’s taken an interest in what we do.

“Some of the people on the programme even got to ask her a few questions too, which was brilliant.

“I live and breath football so this is an ideal job for me and is incredibly rewarding to see people progress over the weeks.

“It’s great to get to know the guys and form a bond and there’s nothing more satisfying than helping them move on to get a job, further training or education – and even becoming a better person.”

Patricia Gibson gives her approval to the Street League program

North Ayrshire and Arran MP Patricia Gibson, said: “It was a pleasure to meet with Street League.

“This is an excellent initiative which helps young people to upskill and develop to help prepare them for the world of work.

“Those on this programme whom I met yesterday were motivated, engaged with the world around them, and keen to make themselves work-ready.

“The record of successfully supporting young people through this programme and helping them to subsequently move on to employment is excellent.

“The meeting I had yesterday in Kilwinning was with a group of young people drawn from various parts of North Ayrshire who were developing life schools through football and fitness and keen to put something back into their own communities.

“I was delighted to meet them and hope to return at the end of their programme to wish them well as they enter the world of work.”

Street League’s next 12-week programme gets underway on October 6.

The dynamic and fastest-growing charity aims to ensure that individuals are physically active every day, improving their motivation, contribution and preparing them for appropriate progression in line with their needs and choices.

To join the programme you must be aged between 16 and 25, not currently employed, in full-time training, or education.

To register your interest you can visit www.streetleague.co.uk, or you can make a referral through Irvine Job Centre or Skills Development Scotland.